Plastic mold cycle control apparatus



Jan. 2, 1951 J. o. KLEBER PLASTIC MOLD CYCLE CONTROL APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 22, 1948 .NOI

INVENTOR. JACKSON O. KLEBER UML,

Li A r Tom/E Jan. 2, 1951 J. o. KLEBER 2,536,506

PLASTIC MOLD CYCLE CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Jan. 22, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 o o o o.

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Patented Jan. 2, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT GFCE PLASTIC MOLD CYCLE CONTROL APPARATUS This invention relates to plastic molding apparatus, and more particularly to improvements in means for contro-lling a molding cycle.

Apparatus for pressing and molding plastic substances which have been suggested in the past have required expensive and complicated devices for controlling the various molding factors, such as heating, chilling and press position. Moreover, these prior devices have been unable to control a molding cycle without occasional costly delays and have necessitated the use of skilled labor which has increased considerably the cost of the final product.

Furthemore, apparatus employed in the past have had a relatively low output per unit time, especially with respect to the molding of plastic articles such as sound records. This is true, among other reasons, because of human error in the control of these machines.

In the molding of plastics, a number of factors influence the speed and eiciency of the molding press, for example, the nature of the plastic, the nature of the heating and cooling media and their initial temperatures, room temperature, etc. Water may be employed as a cooling medium and the temperature thereof may vary from day to day, which may radically influence the molding cycle. Heretofore highly skilled technicians have been necessary for the proper co-relation of and compensation for changes in the factors which influence the molding cycle. This has involved expense because of the necessity to cease temporarily the operation of the apparatus in order to recalculate the control factors for the cycle whenever a change is necessary. No apparatus has been heretofore proposed which lends itself to systematizing the reorientation of these factors caused by a variation in any one thereof. It is desirable to re-orient quickly these control factors of the molding cycle in the event any one or more is subject to change. Prior apparatus have not had this flexibility.

Also past devices have not taken full advantage of the relative positions of the dies or molds for cycle control, and inventors in the prior art have not had full appreciation of the importance of careful control or" the various factors influencing the mold cycle by means of relative position of the jaws of the press.

According to the present invention, apparatus is provided for controlling the molding cycle of a plastic press which will eliminate the abovenoted diiiculties.

The above and further novel features and advantages of the invention will more fully appear 14 Claims. (C1. 18-17) from the detailed description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended as a deiinition of the limits of the invention, reference or this latter purpose being had to the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. i is a schematic representation, with parts broken away, oi one form of the invention employed in connection with a press for forming sound records;

Fig. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of a portion of the novel press controlling means;

Fig. 3 is a detailed iront elevation of the press control means shown in Fig, l;

Fig. e is a rear view, with parts broken away, of the structure shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a rear View of a press controlled cam plate employed in the present invention;

Fig. 5a is a fragmentary view of a portion of the press control cam shown in Fig. 5 indicating a slightly different arrangement of the camming surfaces thereof as compared to Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 6a is a side view of a cam button having an inclined face;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line l-l of Fig. 4 showing a motor and clutch structure (omitted from Fig. 4) used in the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 3 8 of Fig. 4 with certain parts omitted for purposes of clarity;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. l0 is a rear view of a time controlled second cam plate employed in the invention.

The novel invention in one aspect thereof, comprises in combination a press for molding a plastic article, said press having relatively movable jaws which are adapted for opening and closing,

there being a pair of dies mounted one upon each of said jaws. A plurality or means for governing desired mold cycle control factors are provided, such means including, for example, means for heating the dies, cooling the dies, and controlling the relative positions of said jaws and the pressure exerted thereby. Separate devices are provided for actuating separately each of the above means. The gist or" the invention consists in the provision oi mecharnsm for actuating each of or one or more said devices in any desired order in response to closing or opening movement assaeoe of the jaws, and operatively connecting to said mechanism an automatic timel` which may take charge of the molding cycle at any time and preferably when appreciable relative movement of the jaws can no longer take place whereby the timer can actuate each of said control devices in any desired order intermittently or continuously and for any desired time interval.

In the form of the invention shown in the drawings, a' press I, which is governed by the novel mold vcycle control means, is designed, for example, for pressing sound records and is of conventlonal design, having one stationary'jaw H` and one movable jaw I2. Mounted respectively upon the jaws iii and I2 are dies i3 and I, and mounted respectively upon these dies are suitable record molds i and I6. Soecalled landing blocks or limit stops ISa, Ma are secured respectively to dies i3, If! for the purpose of limiting the extent to which the jaws may close. The record molds I5-and I6 may be of the type shown and described in my Patent No. 2,346,760 entitled Wave Record Mold granted April 18, 1944. A single equalizer ridge 16a may be formed upon the mold I6.

Moldv cycle factors employed for governing the formation of plastic articles, such as a rec ord, in the form shown, comprise a heating factor, a cooling factor, waste and recirculation factors, and factors pertaining tothe controlling of .the pressures exerted by and the relative positions of the jaws of the press and; of course, the dies and molds mounted thereon. t is desirable in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to employ a heating medium, such as steam for the dies, which may be generated in a suitable boiler I'i, having associated therewith an injector it, which is used in connection with the recirculation of steam in a manner to appear hereinafter.

Steam is conducted to the diesl I3 and it by means of a conduit I9', which is in communication witha conventional Y type of conduit, having flexible legs 2Q and-2I anda common inlet at 22. The legs 2e and 2|', respectively, are connected to the dies I3 and I4. A conventional electrically operated solenoid valve 23 is interposed in the conduit I9 for governing the flow of steam therethrough.

Any suitable cooling medium may be employed forfchilling. the dies I3 and Iii and molds I5, I6, for example, a iluent medium such as water is desirable and may be conducted, to the dies from a suitablev Source (not shown) by means of a conduit 2s, which is in communication withv the common inlet 2-2; for the conduits 28 and 2i. A solenoid valve 25 is interposed in the. conduit 2li, saidv valve beingsimilar to valve 23. The heating and/or coolingY media exhausted from the dies I3 and Ill is preferably directed into a Y type exible exhaust conduit. 25, having a common conduit leg 2l. The latter is in communication with a conduit 28, which is directed to, for example, a sewer. 2S, preferablyof the electrically operated solenoid type, is inthe conduit 28.

Forpurposes of economy of heat, it is desirable tC-.recirculate the heating medium baci; to the sourcethereof, and a conduit 3S is provided therefor, which at one extremityv thereof is in communication with the conduit 2] and at the other extremity with the injector I8, the latter actingto remove any foreign matter or condensate. AThe injector is connected to the boiler i? by aconduit Ita.. Anelectrically operatedsolei- A waste control valve.

noid valve 3l, analogous to valves 23, 25 and 29, is employed for controlling a flow through conduit 3G.

Conventional means for controlling the opening and closing of the press jaws II and I2 are schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 and comprise, for example, an hydraulic control device having a power cylinder 32 in which a piston 33 is movable and is connected to, for example, the lower jaw I2 by means'of a piston rod et. A suitable pressure medium, such as oil, may be employed and is led to the power cylinder 32 by means of* a conduit 35 which is in communication with a control valve 36. Conduits 31 and 38, respectively, interconnect the upper and lower chambers of the power cylinder 32 to the valve 36. A valve handleSS Vis attached to the valve 36 which can be controlled by suitable mechanism whereby the jaws of the press can be automatically closed, opened, or the pressure increased or decreased. A device for accomplishing this is indicated generallyatl de' (Fig. l), which device is underthe inuence of certain. controlling cams as will appear more fully hereinafter. Saiddevice fis schematically indicated in more detail' in Fig. 2, wherein a solenoid lila is em.- ployed for urging the handle 39- andv valve 3S. to the so-called. pressup (low. pressure) po sition, a secondsolenoid` 40h is employed for urg.- ing the valve to Ythe press down position, andl a solenoid te alsois. employed for moving the valve to press up (high pressure). A common core 39a for these three solenoids is provided which is pivotally connected to handle 39;

The novel control means for governing the molding cycle comprises in general a plurality of devices for controlling the above-described valves in response to closing movement of the jaws II and i2, and in:Y response toY time. Sep.- arate means are provided for governing said valves for desired periods. and in a predetermined order with respect to time, that is, the relative positions of the press `jaws govern one portion of the cycle and another portion is governed by a timer. H Y

To effect this control, a pair of cams 4I, 5 4. arel provided (Fig. 1). These., cams are also shownin Fig. 4. C am 4I comprises a press controlledjcam which is responsiveto relative movement of the jawsVv of press Ill and, for example, is positioned by the piston 33= (Fig. l).

The cam; 4i is preferably a flat plate. It is formed in this shape because it is. convenient to insert therein. suitable cam. buttons whereby and 5, these rows. of perforations are vertical.

and each perforation. is adapted for receiving a button 5i] (Fig. 6). Thus it is possible to` install in any row of perforations a continuous or interruptedY row of buttons whereby the microswitch co-.acting therewith may be continuously or intermittently actuated. In the form shown, there aretwenty-three perforationsin each row.

A desired form; of button. 50,. as illustratedtin,

Fig. 6, comprises a head portion adapted for contacting a micro-switch and a suitable shank adapted for insertion into a cam perforation and to be held therein by friction. The button may have a face 5M inclined at any desired angle (Fig. 6a) to attain a desired adjustment of microswitch control.

The plate cam 4l is held in slidable relationship to the micro-switches l2-49, inclusive, by means of arms 5i, 52 (Fig. 4), having grooves 5m and 52a therein, respectively, for receiving the vertical edges of the plate cam. The arms 5l and 52 are secured to a base vplate 53 (Figs. 3 and 4) upon which the time control cam 54, to be described hereinafter, is also slidably sup- Y ported.

In order to prevent the press cam from falling out of the grooves in arms 5l and 52, suitable limit stops fili and 4H' (Fig. 5) are secured adjacent the upper edge of the cam.

As shown in Fig. l, the press cam 4! is operatively associated with the piston 33 and is adapted for movement in response to the opening and closing of the jaws li and l2 of the press ill. It is possible, if desired, to make a direct interconnection between the cam 4l and a jaw, such as i2. The several micro-switches 2i-49, inclusive, thus are actuatable in response to the disposition of the buttons 5@ in the corresponding rows of cam perforations. Each micro-switch is provided with a suitable roller as shown in Fig. 4 as at lilla-49d, inclusive, for contacting the buttons. In order to provide a visual indication whether or not the micro-switches are closed, a small electric light may be connected to the circuit of each switch. Such lights are indicated as at 55-'e`2, inclusive (Fig. 4), which are inserted respectively into the circuits of switches t32419, inclusive. Each of these lights is preferably situated behind or in the rear of the base plate 53 as shown in Fig. 8, and each is provided with a suitable small snap switch as at 55a (Fig. 8). Also each light may be viewed through a suitable glass port as at 63 (Fig. 8), there being one port for each light.

Adjustment up or down of the positions of the switches 122-49 relative to cam 4I and base plate 53 can be made by means of, for example, adjustment screws 42h in slots 53a (Fig, 3).

A schematic wiring diagram for those switches controlled by the press cam is indicated in Fig. 2 wherein each pair of leads for each individual switch ft2-49, inclusive, is connected in a conventional manner across suitable power leads 64, 65 connected to a power source (not shown) at L1, L2. Fig. 2 indicates the association of switch 42 with the solenoid va1ve-23 which controls the flow of heating medium. Switch 43 is connected to the solenoid valve 29 and switches 44 and 45 are respectively connected to the solenoid valves 25 (chill) and 3i (recirculation). The following three micro-switches 45, 4i and 48 are connected to the control device 4i? for the hydraulic valve 36 which governs the position of the jaws of the press. Said switches 46, 47 and 48 are respectively connected to the above-described solenoids Lida, 4Gb and 4de, which in turn respectively control the position of said handle 39: (l) in the press up low pressure (position C) (Fig. 2); (2) the press down (position A) which reverses the ow of the pressure medium and opens the press; and (3) the press up high pressure (position D) wherein the pressure exerted by the press may be increased, for example, from 100 pounds per square inch up to 2,000 pounds per 6 square inch. Handle 39 is in a neutral position when at position B as shown in broken lines in Fig. 2.

The micro-switch 49 is connected to a solenoid 66 (Figs. 2 and 7) for controlling the operation of a timer to be described more fully hereinafter.

It will be apparent that each of the above-controlled factors for the mold cycle may be governed in any desired order and may be brought into action jointly or severally or intermittently. The motion of the press cam 4i, in the embodiment shown, is upward for that portion of the cycle which is governed by this particular cam.

In Fig. l, in order to simplify the drawings, the interconnections `between the several microswitches 42-49, inclusive, and the solenoids which they respectively control is shown by a single line for each switch.

The above-mentioned time cam 54 is mounted ior sliding vertical movement relative to the base plate 53 in a manner identical to that of the press cam 4I and is held for such vertical movement, as viewed in Figs. l and 4, by means of the arms 61 and 58, having grooves (ila and 83a therein, respectively. The time cam 54, instead of being moved in response to relative motion of the jaws of the press l0, is moved in response to time, that is, it is moved at a contsant rate.

Means are indicated in Fig. 7 for slowly moving the time cam comprising a constant speed motor (is which may turn, for example, at 23 R. M. This motor is connected to a suitable source of electric energy (not shown) and preferably rotates continuously. It is brought into and out of operative association with the time cam 54 by means of the above-mentioned solenoid 653, which is adapted for pivoting a base plate lli, upon which the motor is mounted, about a pivot pin il whereby a worm gear il, which is driven by the motor Se, is brought into and out of engagement with a worm lwheel i3. A spring etc secured to solenoid plunger Seb normally holds the worm 'i2 out of engagement with wheel 'i3 when the solenoid is not energized. The wheel i3 is secured to a shaft i4 and has secured thereto a pinion 'i5 (Fig. 9) which co-operates with a rack i6. The latter is secured to the time cam preferably in the center thereof as in Fig. 4. Thus rotation of the worm wheel 'I3 can raise or lower the time cam 54. The worm gear T2 is interconnected to the motor 52 by means of suitable bevel gears l' (Fig. '7).

The time cam 54 is analogous to the press cam 4I in that it also is provided with a plurality of rows of perforations as at 5in-5th, inclusive (Figs. 4 and l0) into which the buttons 56 may be secured for the actuation of a plurality of microswitches.

The time cam 54, in the embodiment shown, is adapted for controlling a number of microswitches in a manner similar to the press cam 4|. These micro-switches are indicated at -SS, inclusive. Each of the latter group of switches, excepting switches et and S5, is connected respectively to the same element as are switches (i2-43 of the press cam 4I. That is, switch 'ii is adapted for controlling the heat valve 23, the switch i9 is adapted for governing the waste valve 29, and so on.

However, switch 85 controls a solenoid 8l (Fig. 2) which is adapted for positioning handle 39 in the neutral position B. Switch fiii is a so-called press cam cut out switch which governs mechanism for electrically disconnecting the press cam 'switches-d.. Such mechanismy comprises, for example, aA solenoid 88; (Eig. l.) w-hich controls a switch 8S in the power line for the press cam switches @i2-48. After completion of a cycleit is desirable for, time cam 54 toremain. in an elevated position until thel presscam has returned to its initial or lowermost position; This.- is` accomplished by means, of a solenoid detent Si); (Fig. 7)j whic-his jointly. controlledl by press cam cut out switch 85; and a switch 9|. The latter switch is normally closed but is vopenedin response to press cam lll: moving to its lowermost position. The former switch, when closed, energizes solenoid 9E). (provided switch 9i is also closed) and thereby moves a plunger; detent 90a into engagement .with a latch @to on plunger 66h; Thus the worm-i12` and wheel 'i3V fwill remain in engagement and the time cam will remain in its elevated iinal position until the opening of switch- 9i, despite deenergization of solenoid 56.

In Fig. 1 a lump or biscuit ofrplastic 92 upon the mold l is prepared for pressing, for example,` into a record byL means of the above-described apparatus. The plastic biscuit may be of shellac or vinyll acetate or any suitable plastic substance.

One example of the operation of the novel apparatus is as follows:

We will assume for purposes of this example that the temperature of the cooling water is approximately 55? F., that-the steam temperature is approximately 1200* F. at a pressure of 120 pounds per square inch, the room temperature is 72 rand that the plastic biscuit is composed of vinyl acetate. Initially the hand control valve Sil is thrust by hand from the neutral position "B (Fig. 2) to the so-called press up position shown at C. This starts the press upon its upward movement whereupon the press cam @li will be moved in response thereto. It is desirable to hold the Valve 39 lin the press up position only long enough to permit the solenoid lita to take control by virtue of the actuation o micro-switch 46. This is accomplished byinserting a row of buttons in the row of perforations flic (Fig. 5). So long as micro-switch #l5 is closed, the jaw I2 and the die ill will move upwardly until, of course, the limit of motion is reached, whereupon the pressure medium within the cylinder 32 is bypassed in a conventional manner.

Simultaneous with the closing of switch it and the opening of valve Se to press up, the heating valve 23 opened. This is accomplished by inserting a row of buttons iid in row Gla. It is desirable to empty the dies I3 and l'. of any water or cooling mediiun which may have collected therein. This is done by opening the waste valve 29 and permitting the steam to blow same into the sewer. Consequently, simultaneous with the opening of heat valve 23, it is desirable to open the valve 2Q by actuating the micro-switchV 43 for a short time at the outset. This, ofcourse, is done by inserting a group oi buttons, as shown (Fig. 5), into the row ib. The length of time that the waste valve is open is a function of the speed o the press and the length of the continuous row of buttons in the periorations die. It is necessary to open the waste valve 2t for only a short period in order to clear the dies oi collected water.

Thereafter it is desirable to recirculate. the. heating medium back to the boiler by closing valve ai? and opening the recirculating valve 3l. The waste valve is closed .by terminating the row or" buttons ier example, at the fifth. button from lthe top; asviewed in Fig. 5. Immedihas ateiy thereafter, mrow. ald, buttons should be. inserted, for example,commencingY with the sixth.

perforationl from the top (Fig.z5) and this row of buttons should beV continuous down to the: point where it is desired to :close the recirculationV valve.

During the closing movement of the press thev Suppose it is desired toincrease the pressure upon the biscuity near the end of the upward strokev of the jaw i2. A` cam button can beinserted in, for example, the third perforation from'` bottom in row tlg (Fig. 5). Acam button in the corresponding perforation in row sie should.

be removed toV avoidv simultaneously energizing both solenoids 'a, 46c.

When the upper die i5 contacts the biscuit 86, the plastic is in semi-molten condition. The press squeezesthe plastic and causes it to flow between the faces of the dies.

At approximately this critical point in the pressing, where vinyl acetate is used, it is desirable tov cut the heat and shortly thereafter to int;oduce the cooling medium. ItY has been found thatsatisiactory results are obtained if the heating medium is cut off when the plastic begins tov flow overv the ridge E50., that is, when the flash nrstappears. This point can ber acicurately. determined and the valve ftV can be closed'preciselyA thereby terminating the row ofy buttons in row :ila which co-act with the microswitch 32. For example, the last button in theY the chillingcycle may be initiated by the press cam, if desired, by inserting a cam button E@ in,

for` example,A the lowermost perforation in the column d ib.

If vit isrdesired for any purpose to oscillate the press upwardsand downwards during this initial pressing portion of the cycle, for example, if a breathing period is necessary, this maybe efected by properly positioning oneor more cam buttonsin the perforations llif.

Immediately uponr the closing of the` heating valve 23 by opening the switch 52, the time portion orthecycle may commence. Consequently immediately on closing said valve 23 it is desir-l able to energize the ,solenoid t@ (Fig. 7) .whereby spring @Se is overcome. Thus the timer motor EQ is urged 1 into an active position connected to.

worm wheel I3, and the upward movenflent,` of the time cam Ell is commenced. A cam button is positioned for this, purposein the bottom perforation of row e lh.

The buttons 5t aredisposed upon the time cam 55, for example, as shown in Fig. l0, 'whereby the cooling valvey 5&5 is opened preferably a short interval after the closing of theheating valve 23, the coolingvalvebeing opened by .means of cam 15;;buttonsirnrow4c, the nrstbuttonpfor example.,

being placed in the second perforation from the top. The length or said interval is only long enough to insure that steam is not permitted to overcome the pressure in the water system. Thus, the small amount of steam which is trapped within the dies is permitted to dissipate its pressure until it is below the pressure the cooling medium and at that point the cooling valve 25 is opened. Simultaneous with the opening of the valve 25, the recirculation valve i is closed by a termination of the row oi cam buttons in row Eid, and the waste valve 2S is opened by cam buttons in row 5th. Thus the chilling portion of the cycle commences and the cooling medium is conducted to the sewer.

In the present example wherein a vinyl acetate record is beine pressed, it is desirable to hold the cooling valve open for a period of, for from 20 to 25 seconds. The cooling of the mord theoretically therefrom.

Immediately upon completion of the chilling or cooling of the dies, it is desirable to close the micro-switch 83 whereby the jaws of the press vare opened and the pressed record may be withdrawn. The opening of the press, of course, is laccomplished by inserting a proper number of buttons in the row elif (Fig. l0)

In order to avoid a reverse action of the press cam il when it is thrust downwardly in response to the opening of the press by the time cam, the solenoid 8S (Fig. l) is energized in response to closing of switch 8S and switch Bil is opened to interrupt a iiow of current to the switches cl2-liti. This current interruption deenergizes solenoid Ordinarily the time cam would fall at this point but for the intervention of solenoid detent et which holds the worm 'i2 and worm gear i3 in engagement while the press cam is falling. This is done by virtue or said press cam cut out switch 8d which serves the dual purpose of energizing both solenoids lill and til.

A suitable time cam out out switch can be provided for disconnecting all time cam microswitches from their power source in order to prevent reverse action of these switches when the time cam comes down. Such a cut out switch, for example, can be actuated in response to the ralling of the press cam to its lowerrnost position.

A second example of the control or" a mold cycle by the novel apparatus, which illustrates the flexibility of this device, is applicable, for example, to the molding of two thin sheets of acetate upon a cardboard base. That is, a piece of cardboard is sandwiched in between surrounding sheets of acetate. The problem of molding this type or" record is somewhat different from that above described in that not as much plastic is employed and it is desired to ilatten out two thin sheets of plastic and to elongate them rather than to ilatten a biscuit of plastic.

The initial portion of the cycle, as controlled by the press cam, can be identical to that above described, except that shortly before the landing blocks i3d, contact one another the heat should be cut or", that is, the heating valve should be closed.

Immediately after the closing of the heating valve the time control cam should take charge of the cycle, that is, the solenoid S36 should be actuated in response to a closing of the switch 4Q. An interval of, for example, lfrom 3 to 9 seconds, is interposed between the shutting oil of the heating medium and the introduction of the coolant. Thereafter the time controlled portion.,

causes the plastic to shrink away l 10 of the cycle may be identical to that above described.

A third example of the operation of the invention concerns the molding of plastic upon glass, that is, a layer of plastic pressed against a layer or glass. This example diiers from the others in that glass cannot be chilled at the same rate as the plastic. The latter is able to take a rapid chill but the glass must be gradually cooled. Consequently, it is desired to control the chilling by means of the time cam. The initial portion of the cycle may be controlled by the press cam il in the manner above described. However, the chilling must be carefully controlled by the time cam by running the cooling medium through the dies, for example, for l0 seconds, and thereafter cutting 01T the cooling medium say for another 10 seconds. Thereafter the heating medium may be run into the dies for an added l0 seconds and the cycle may be repeated until a desired reduced temperature of the glass is obtained. Thus a graphic showing or temperature reduction or the glass and the plastic assumes the shape of steps rather than a steep downward curve.

Of course, a wide variation of diierent cycles may be achieved by the above-described invention. For example, instead of actuating the time cam at the end of the portion of the cycle ccntrolled by the press cam di, it is possible to start the timer at any time and the various control factors of the mold cycle may be governed both by the timer and the press cam lil acting jointly or simultaneously. However, there should be no conflict in the actuation of a given control valve or control device as between the time cam and the press cam. Normally, it is desired to start the time cam in operation when there is no further useful relative movement possible with respect to the jaws of press lil.

During the cooling or curing part of the cycle it is possible to introduce the so-called breather wherein the press is open slightly for a predetermined time and thereafter closed. It is obvious how this may be accomplished by the introduction or the buttons into the proper perforations in the time cam 555.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred examples which have given satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modiiications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

What is claimed is:

l. ln a plastic mold cycle control device, a press having a pair of relatively movable jaws for opening and closing, a pair of dies mounted one upon each oi said jaws, means for heating dies, means for cooling said dies, press control means for controlling the relative position or said jaws, devices for actuating said press control mea and at least one of said other ineans, a ir nanism for actuating said devices in any desired order in response to movent ci said iaws towards a closed position, a mechanism for actuating said devices in conse to time in any desired order, and means ior operatively interconnecting said mechanisms whereby one may actuate the other at a selected point in the cycle of operation thereof.

2. ln apparatus or the class described, a pair or" press elements, power means for moving said 3:11 elements vrelative to one another, YmechanismI operable in response to the positioning-of `said velements under the influence` of said power means kat preselected distances .relative to one another for controlling a now of heating medium through said elements, mechanism-responsive to time for Ycontrolling a ow of heating medium .through said elements, mechanism responsive to time for controlling a flow o cooling medium through said elements, and means for operatively interconnecting said press responsivemechanisms to said time responsive mechanisms.

3. In apparatusof the class described, apress having a pair of relatively movable jaws adapted .for opening and closing relative to one another;

means for heating said jaws; means rfor cooling said jaws; means for controlling the relative position .of said jaws; a plurality of electrical control devices for said means, there `being one such device for each of said means; a press cam 4operable in response to movement of one of said jaws relative to the other; means oroperatively associating said cam selectively Vwith one or more of said control devices whereby the actuations of the latter are governable in response to the positioning of said jaws at preselected distances relative toone another; a time cam; mechanism for moving said time cam in response to time; and means for operativelyassociating said time cam selectively with one or more of said devices and with said press cam whereby the actuations of said devices are governable in reselected distances relative to one another; a time cam; a time cam mechanism for moving said time cam at a selected speed, said time cam including mechanism for adjusting the contours thereof; devices associated with said time cam and its associated cam mechanism for governing said 4means in response to time; mechanism for operatively interconnecting said cams whereby the press cam can control the actuation of the time cam; and mechanism for operatively interconnecting said cams whereby the time cam can govern the actuation of said ,press cam.

5. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of press elements for use with power means for moving said elements relative to one another, mechanism aotuatable in response to the movement to preselected distances of one of said elements relative to the other for controlling a flow of heating and cooling media through said elements, and mechanism responsive to time for controlling the power means and also the flow of heating and cooling media through said elements.

6. In a plastic molding apparatus the combination comprising, a press having a pair of jaws movable relative to one another for use with a pair of dies mounted one on each of said jaws, power means for opening and closing said jaws, means for heating the dies, means for cooling the dies, a devices for controlling a flow of heating and cooling media to the dies in response to rpredetermined relative movements of vthe dies, ya time responsive device for controlling a iiow of heating and cooling media in response to time, mechanism for actuating said time responsive device in response to predetermined relative movement of said jaws, and mechanism responsive to said time responsive device for opening said jaws after a selected time interval.

7, In apparatus of the class described, a press including a pair of dies movable toward and away from one another and adapted for use with a, power device for urging said dies toward and away from one another, a source of fluent-cooling medium, a source of fluent heating medium, mechanism actuatable in response to the movement of one of said dies to preselected distances relative to the other die for controlling the ilow of said media through said dies, time responsive mechanism actuated by said last-named mechanism for controlling in response to time the duration of the flow of said media through said dies, and devices for operatively interconnecting the time-responsive mechanism to said power device for opening said press after a predetermined time.

8. In a plastic molding press ci the class described, a pair of dies mounted for relative movement for molding a plastic article, a power device ior moving said dies relative to one another thereby opening and closing same, die cooling means for Flowing a cooling medium through said dies, die heating means for flowing a heating medium through said dies, a cooling valve for controlling the flow of said cooling medium, a vheating valve for controlling Ythe iiow ci said heating medium, a die controlled cam .movable in response to lrelative movement oi said dies, an

`operative connection between said cam and heating valve for opening the valve response to initial closing movement of the dies and closing the valve in response to a predetermined extent of relative die movement, a time controlled cam, means for moving the latter in response to time, an operative connection between said die controlled cam and said time controlled cam wher-eby the latter is actuatable in response to a predetermined relative movement oI" said dies, an operative interconnection between said time controlled cam and said cooling valve for opening said cooling valve for a predetermined period, and an operative interconnection between said time controlled cam and said power means for opening said dies a predetermined time after the cooling of the dies,

.9. In apparatus of the class described, a press comprising a pair of jaws movable relative to one another, a pair of. dies mounted one on each of said jaws, said press being adapted for use with power means for opening and closing said jaws, conduits connected to said dies for conducting heating and cooling media thereto and therefrom, a heating valve for controlling a flow of heating medium from a source thereof to said conduits, a cooling valve for controlling a flow of a cooling medium from a source thereof to said conduits, a press controlled device responsive to the movement ci one of said jaws to preselected distances relative to the other jaw for governing said valves after the actuation of the power means to close said jaws, said press controlled device being adapted for opening said heating valve when said jaws are within preselected distances from one another and thereafter closing same, and a time responsive device operatively connected to said valves and power means for governing same, the time responsive device being actuatable by the press-controlled device and adapted for opening said cooling valve for a predetermined period and thereafter for actuating said power means for opening the press.

10. In apparatus of the class described, a press including a pair of dies movable relative to one another; power means for opening and closing said dies; means for heating said dies; means for cooling said dies; control means for said power means; a press controlled device movable in response to movement of one of said dies to preselected distances relative to the other die for governing said means; a time responsive device for governing said means; and mechanism for operatively interconnecting the press and time controlled devices whereby one is operable by the other.

11. In apparatus of the class described for use with a, source of heating medium and a source of a coolant, a pair of dies; a press for use with f power means, said press comprising a pair of.

jaws for supporting said dies, said jaws being movable relative to one another under the influence of the power means; conduit means through said dies having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connectable to the source of heating medium or to the source of coolant; a heating valve for controlling a flow of heating medium from the source thereof to such inlet; a cooling valve for controlling a flow of coolant from the source thereof to such inlet; an exhaust valve connected to such outlet; a recirculation valve also connected to such outlet and to the source of heating medium; and a press cam movable in response to movement of one of the jaws of said press relative to the other jaw, said cam including cam elements which are adjustably positioned thereon, and having devices operatively connected thereto for governing the opening and closing of preselected of said valves in predetermined order.

12. In apparatus of the class described for use with a source of heating medium and a source of a coolant, a pair of dies, a, press for use with power means, said press comprising a pair of jaws for supporting said dies, said jaws being movable relative to one another under the influence of the power means; conduit means through said dies for conducting uid therethrough, said conduit means having an inlet and an outlet, intervening portions of said conduit means between the inlet and outlet passing through said dies; a heating valve for controlling a flow of heating medium from the source thereof to such inlet; a cooling valve for controlling a ow of coolant from the source thereof to such inlet; and a press cam movable in response to the movement of one of the jaws of said press relative to the other jaw, said cam having devices operatively connected thereto for governing the opening and closing of said valves in preselected order.

i3. In apparatus for use with a pair of molds, a pair of dies adapted for supporting respective of said molds; a press adapted for use with power means, said press comprising a pair of jaws for supporting respective of said dies, said jaws being movable relative to one another under the influence of the power means; conduit means through said dies, said means having an inlet and an outlet and portions thereof intermediate the inlet and outlet passing through said dies; a valve for controlling a ow of heating medium to such inlet; a cooling valve for controlling a flow of coolant to such inlet; a press cam movable in response to the movement of the jaws thereof relative to one another; and a plurality of devices actuatable by said press cam in response to the movement thereof for selectively governing said valves.

14. In apparatus for use with a pair of molds, a pair of dies adapted for supporting respective of said molds; a press adapted for use with power means, said press comprising a pair of jaws for supporting respective of said dies, said jaws being movable relative to one another under the influence of the power means; conduit means through said dies, said means having an inlet and an outlet and portions thereof intermediate the inlet and outlet passing through said dies; a valve for controlling a ow of heating medium to such inlet; a cooling valve for controlling a iow of coolant to such inlet; a press cam; means for moving said press cam in response to the movement of the jaws of said press relative to one another; a plurality of devices actuatable by said press cam in response to the movement thereof for governing said valves; and mechanism responsive to time for controlling the power means and also for controlling the now of heating medium and coolant through said conduit means.

JACKSON O. KLEBER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,251,851 Wickes Jan. 1, 1918 2,204,531 Erbguth et al June 11, 1940 2,373,201 Smith Apr. 10, 1945 2,432,215 Stocker Dec. 9, 1947 2,487,126 Greer Nov. 8, 1949 

